FORT MYERS, Fla. — Approved! The Lee County School Board approved a motion Tuesday night that they hope will lead to more bus operators.
“It’s getting old because my kids are getting late to school, which means they are missing out on their education,” said Mary Evans, Riverdale High School parent.
Evans is just one of the parents who tell Fox 4 that they are frustrated with the number of times their childrens' buses either has been late, or doesn't show up.
The district has cited a lack of bus drivers and attendants as a main aspect of the problem.
"We are approximately 100 drivers short, and need to fill these positions", Rob Spicker, Public Information Officer for the Lee County School District told Fox 4. "We have used these types of incentives before, and they worked."
The incentives include the following:
1. Paying the hiring costs associated with becoming a school bus operator in the amount of $317.50 per bus operator
2. Waiving the requirement of a high school diploma for bus attendants
3. Providing a $100.00 incentive for any District employee that refers someone that becomes a bus operator and works for 30 school-days
The incentives begin Feburary 27, 2019 and will last through February 26, 2020.
Many people, including educators and parents, also shared concerns over teacher pay during the "Public Comment" portion of the meeting.
